Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, according to Al Jazeera. The match, held in Houston on June 23, 2026, solidified Portugal’s strong position heading into the knockout rounds of the World Cup.
What happened
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cup campaigns during Portugal’s dominating win. His first goal came just six minutes into the match, surpassing even Lionel Messi in World Cup scoring history. Ronaldo’s second goal arrived six minutes before halftime, contributing to a 5-0 annihilation of Uzbekistan.
The former Manchester United star celebrated with his signature “siu” celebration in front of 68,777 fans. Ronaldo now has ten World Cup goals, more than any other Portuguese player, including the legendary Eusebio. According to reports, Ronaldo entered the match as the all-time leading scorer in international men’s football with 143 goals.
Despite earlier performances sparking doubts about his form, Ronaldo silenced critics with his impressive display. His coach, Roberto Martinez, maintained his faith in Ronaldo, who received raucous support from the crowd each time he appeared on the big screens.
Why it matters
This victory positions Portugal favorably as they aim for the knockout stages of the tournament. The dominant performance also aims to subdue critiques of Ronaldo’s declining form, especially against younger stars like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. The result strengthens the team’s morale and boosts confidence moving forward.
Background
On June 17, 2026, Portugal faced the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a disappointing 1-1 draw, where Ronaldo missed significant scoring opportunities. The match sparked discussions about whether he should be benched in favor of younger players. Prior to this match, Ronaldo had faced increased scrutiny regarding his playing ability as he ages.
What’s next
Portugal will play their final group match against Colombia on June 26, 2026. Colombia heads into the match after a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, and a win will secure their place in the knockout stages.
